The South Mountain State Battlefield encompasses Crampton's, Fox's, and Turner's Gaps of South Mountain. Its diverse terrain features rolling farmland of western Maryland and the deep forests of the Appalachian Trail.  The first major battle of the Maryland Campaign of 1862 was fought in these mountain gaps on September 14, 1862. Visits to the South Mountain battle sites should begin with a visit to the office and museum at Washington Monument State Park just north of Alternate U. S. Route 40.